December 22, 1999
GRACE & PEACE:
Merry Christmas to all ...
God bless you, every one
___"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14
___Why should we be "merry" or joyful at Christmas? People have various reasons.
___Family for some is the reason for happiness. Often this is the only time during the year when families are together. Scattered, busy with work and various involvements, manyfamilies find it difficult to be together.
WILLIAM M. PINSON JR.
Executive Director
BGCT Executive Board
___But at Christmas, people make a special effort to come from far and near. Parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren, aunts and uncles and nephews and nieces, cousins and in-laws convene to share a time of togetherness.
___But what if families have been torn apart by death, divorce, desertion or disloyalty? What if circumstances are such that few if any can gather? What if the time and place for gathering become matters of dissent? What if this season renews family tensions or makes even more intense the pain of loss of loved ones? Then family brings no joy.
___Friends for some are the reason for being merry. The season for many is filled with parties, visits with friends and exchange of gifts. Cards, often with scribbled greetings or newsletters, kindle warm memories. Telephone calls, e-mails and faxes arrive establishing contact with those whose lives have touched ours in various ways.
___But what if no cards or newsletters arrive? What if no calls or e-mails or faxes are received? What if no one visits? What if no party invitations come? Could the absence of these make this season one of bitterness, isolation and loneliness? Then friendships bring no joy.
___Festivity for some is the reason for being merry. Homes are filled with decorations. Lights embellish houses and draw onlookers. Gifts are selected with care and wrapped creatively. Special food is prepared and shared with family, friends and neighbors. Bright clothes adorned with Christmas symbols are worn. Concerts, plays and parties fill days and nights with events not enjoyed any other season.
___But what if there is no house to decorate, no money to buy gifts, no special food to prepare, no clothes to wear except those worn all year and no ability or opportunity to attend the events of the season? What if seeing others enjoy such happy experiences only adds to one's depression, frustration or envy? Then festivity brings no joy.
___So, what is available for all people to bring joy in this season? Why, it is faith in the One who is the Gift of God whom we celebrate, even Jesus--the Word made flesh, who dwelt among us, the baby of Bethlehem who became the Christ of the Cross and the Lord of the Resurrection. We can celebrate the faith of those who enabled the first Christmas to occur--the faith of Mary, Joseph, wise men and shepherds. We can experience first hand faith in the Word made flesh. We can share that faith with others in order that they may know the peace that passes all understanding and the joy that only Jesus brings.
___Because this faith is available to all, regardless of our circumstances, we can be "merry" or joyful at Christmas. And because of this faith, we, the staff of the Executive Board of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, declare: "Merry Christmas to all. ... God bless you every one."
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